Han Feizi – Chapter 22.1

After Tang defeated Jie, he feared the world would accuse him of coveting the throne. Therefore he offered to yield the realm to Wuguang. Yet afraid that Wuguang would accept it, he sent someone to persuade him: “Tang has slain his sovereign and seeks to pass the ill fame onto you, hence he offers you the realm.” Upon hearing this, Wuguang threw himself into a river and died.

Note

This text is excerpted from Han Feizi, Chapter: The Forest of Persuasions (Part I).

This story reveals that many seemingly virtuous political acts are deliberate stratagems. Rulers may use fine reputations to cover selfish motives, and words can be wielded as a tool to force others into a desperate situation.

Han Fei

Late Warring States Legalist thinker. He analyzes political scheming through ancient historical tales.

Tang (King Tang of Shang)

Founder of the Shang Dynasty, who overthrew the tyrant Jie of Xia.

Jie

The last ruler of the Xia Dynasty, widely regarded as a cruel tyrant in traditional history.

Wuguang

A reclusive nobleman in ancient times, known for lofty integrity and unwilling to bear unjust notoriety.

Voluntary Abdication (Yielding the Throne)

A celebrated tradition in early Chinese legends, representing virtue and modesty. It was practiced during the legendary Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors era. Instead of passing power to his son, a ruler would select the most capable and virtuous person as his successor. The most famous examples are the sage-emperors Yao, who abdicated in favor of Shun, and Shun, who abdicated in favor of Yu the Great.

Here it is revealed as a political disguise.

Political Camouflage

Tang used the guise of yielding the throne to shun public criticism, exposing the gap between noble reputation and actual political desire.

Legalist Perspective

Legalists focus on real interests and hidden schemes, rather than superficial moral reputations.

湯以伐桀，而恐天下言己為貪也，因乃讓天下於務光。而恐務光之受之也，乃使人說務光曰：「湯殺君而欲傳惡聲于子，故讓天下於子。」務光因自投於河。